Residents of Cumberland and its surrounding communities can receive free medical, dental and vision services at an upcoming pop-up clinic at Cumberland High School. Remote Area Medical (RAM), a nonprofit providing free healthcare, will host the clinic on March 29 and 30.
The two-day clinic will offer general medical services, women’s health exams, eye exams, audiology services and on-site prescription glasses. Free dental cleanings, fillings and extractions will also be available. Patients can choose either vision or dental services, but not both on the same day. However, they may receive one type of service on Saturday and return on Sunday for the other, according to Allison McCauley-Cook, RAM’s media relations coordinator.
Services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, with no insurance or ID required. Those interested in getting new prescription glasses are encouraged to bring a prescription that is less than a year old, as it may save time, McCauley-Cook said.
The clinic will be held at Cumberland High School, 15 School Road, Cumberland, and will open at 6 a.m. Closing hours will depend on the number of volunteers RAM secures and the volume of patients seeking care.
RAM recommends arriving as early as possible, especially for the Saturday clinic. According to McCauley-Cook, it is common for patients to spend the night in the parking lot to secure a place in line. The parking lot will open by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 28.
In general, McCauley-Cook advised patients to set aside several hours for their visit, as the speed at which the clinic can see patients varies depending on the number of volunteers. Bathrooms will be available, but any patients arriving early should bring their own food, water, medicines, and clothing.
RAM is also seeking volunteers for the Cumberland clinic, particularly those with medical, dental, or vision specialties. General support volunteers are also welcome.
Take Action
There will be a free healthcare clinic in Cumberland March 29 and 30, hosted by Remote Area Medical (RAM), a national nonprofit providing free healthcare to underserved communities through pop-up clinics.
To visit as a patient:
The clinic will offer free dental, vision, and medical services to those in need. The clinic will take place at Cumberland High School, 15 School Road, Cumberland, VA. Services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Doors open at 6 a.m., and closing hours will depend on demand and volunteer availability. RAM recommends arriving early, and patients may want to arrive the night before for the Saturday clinic. The parking lot will open by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 28. No photo ID or insurance is required.
To volunteer:
If you want to volunteer for the clinic as a medical, dental and vision professional or as general support staff, visit RAM’s volunteer page online or call 865-579-1530.
For more information, visit RAM’s event page for the clinic or visit the clinic’s Facebook event page.
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